Three area police officers and one soon-to-be state's attorney agreed to spend the weekend on top of the Dunkin Donuts along Route 140 in Westminster as part of the fifth annual Cops on Rooftops fundraiser.

"We're using that old parody of cops and doughnuts to our advantage to support Special Olympics Maryland and the athletes," said Capt. Jim DeWees, a participant from the Maryland State Police.

Aside from the officers who stayed on the rooftop, several Special Olympics athletes and other law enforcement members greeted customers at the store to collect donations. The group's goal was $8,600, which they reached.

"It's hard to understand the impact that a dollar or two has on these athletes, but it truly does," DeWees said.

DeWees said it was hot on the roof this year, which was a stark difference from rain that blasted the officers last year. But he said the weather doesn't make a difference in their choice to get up there.

"Whatever the temperature, we stay up there, "DeWees said. "It's worth the cause."

Other police departments took part in the same event at Dunkin Donuts in Laurel, Hyattsville and the town of California. Last year, those who took part raised $30,000 for the cause.

Cops on Rooftops raises Special Olympics funds

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Cops on Rooftops

An annual police tradition that puts officers on the rooftops of donut shops instead of inside them helped raise $8,600 for Special Olympics Maryland.